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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – Litter along Missouri roads and highways is a substantial problem, and in an effort to combat it, MoDOT is asking volunteers to pitch in.

MoDOT’s Roadside Management Specialist Stacy Armstrong says there are some areas in the state that are worse than others.

“An area we do see a lot of litter is along ramps, when they’re getting off of highways,” she says. “I think part of that is caused by them slowing down, rolling down their window, and tossing whatever they have out the window.”

Missouri does have fines for littering, but Armstrong says it is up to local law enforcement to enforce it. Punishments can include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a year in jail.

Without volunteers to help clean up the roads, Armstrong estimates it would cost MoDOT $1.5 million to clean up—money the state agency just doesn’t have.

That’s where the volunteers come in. The annual Trash Bash kicks off in April.